Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Review: Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks

Okay, let's try this new review format. It's probably going to take a while before I get it right, so it is still subject to changes :D

Demon Angel by Meljean Brookspublished in January 2007 by Berkley

Lilith is a half-human, half-demon created by Lucifer and so she has served him for a thousand years, tempting humans and gathering their souls for Below. In England 1217, she meets a young knight, Hugh whom she couldn't tempt nor bend. Involuntarily, she causes his death and instead of bringing his soul to Below, she helps him becoming a Guardian, the warrior that fights against nosferatu (full vampires), vampires (half-human, half-nosferatu) and demons. From then on, starts a rivalry between Lilith and Hugh that will last 800 years...

Genre: Paranormal romanceSeries: The Guardians series, book 2

Review: Well, well, well... You know, I've been wanting something different lately and I finally found it :D I mean, I really like paranormal romance, but I think like everyone, I'm getting a bit tired of the vampires, brotherhoods, soul mates - you know what I mean. So Demon Angel was exactly what I was looking for. I mean, yes there are some vampires, but they're not the main characters and not the focus either.

Characters - I luv Lilith and Hugh really. I thought Hugh was so cute as the naive and innocent Guardian... then, he turned into this really sexy, rugged and mature man. Well of course mature, after 800+ years. Personality wise, he's the straight, honest guy who'll always follow the rules. He's also quite innocent and naive at first, but then he matures and the changes in personality in the second half of the book is quite understandable. Really, immortality is not something you crave, especially if you have such responsibilities. In short, I quite like his character and I didn't think he was annoying or too straight or anything. Onto Lilith now... she's something :D Definitively someone you want on your side. She's strong, witty, blunt and complex. Such an enjoyable character. I don't want to say this, but really, she supports the whole book... if it wasn't for her, I don't think the book would be as enjoyable. As for other characters, well the story really focuses on the two of them, but we do meet Colin, a vampire that Hugh and Lilith have been protecting for the past 200 years as well as Savitri Murry, kind of like Hugh's lil sister. There hasn't been that much development for both of them, so I'm reserving judgement, but I find Colin extremely funny and enjoyable as well :D Finally, Sir Pup, Lilith's hellbound. Luv him :D

Story & Writing - Seriously, I've always loved stories where the hero and heroine, but esp. the heroine, makes so much sacrifice for the other. It just proves their love for them I think. I liked the humor as well and most everything ^^; The story is complex, but quite different. The world building was all right, I mean, the world is not much different than ours in my opinion, except for the presence of Guardians and demons and other creatures. I really had no idea that demons were so much into bargaining tho :P The only thing really is that some parts were confusing, but I don't know if it is due to the writing or if it's because so much is happening. I guess a little of both and that's what cost this book it's perfect grade. But aside from that, story and writing were good and solid.

The Cover - The cover is all right, but personally, I think that it does not fit the story. I mean, it's all pink and purplish... if I had to design this book, I would have chosen scarlet red and black. The cover just seems so tame to fit Lilith and the rest of the story.

Am I keeping the book: Absolutely, no question ask. I'm also going to the book store tomorrow to get Hot Spell, the anthology that contains Book 1 of the Guardians.

Anything else: Well, some of you probably recognizes the name Meljean Brooks as a fellow blogger. In either case, here's the link to her website and blog that I really like :D

12 comments:

I've been seeing reviews for this book everywhere. I'm kind of tempted to read it and then I'm kind of not...too many paranormals lately, I think. But glad to hear you enjoyed it. I'll keep it on the backburner for when I'm looking for a good paranormal. :-D

Tara Marie - I just got Hot Spell, so going to read Falling for Anthony tonight :D Although I really liked Demon Angel, I'm not too sure about Demon Moon. I like Colin... but I don't know about reading him as the main character.

ames - isn't that great that we have the same tastes? I've always wanted someone like that :D Hope you enjoy it indeed! :D

I don't mind a good paranormal romance but lately all romance books I've been reading are too cheesy for me. I know I have a lower tolerance than most romance readers since quite a few were recommended as great but this looks very intriguing!